Musicians must embrace 'unstoppable force' of AI, Eurythmics' Dave Stewart urges (www.theguardian.com)

Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart recently urged musicians to embrace the "unstoppable force" of artificial intelligence (AI) by licensing their music to generative AI platforms, which can analyze existing tracks to create new songs based on user prompts. This recommendation comes amid industry shifts where major labels like Universal and Warner have partnered with AI companies, enabling users to remix or create music inspired by signed artists. Stewart argues that artists should proactively engage with these technologies to secure their share of the revenues generated, rather than having their work used without consent. Stewart's comments highlight significant changes in the music industry landscape, wherein traditional corporate structures may falter under the pressures of AI innovation and creative autonomy. He has co-founded Rare Entity, a venture that empowers artists by providing financial support without claiming ownership of their intellectual property. Instead, it aims to foster creative control by sharing revenue from ventures, which reflects a shift towards artist-led initiatives in a digital age. Stewart sees AI as a tool for creativity, advocating for artists to remain proactive in the evolving landscape while warning against being relegated to the bottom of corporate hierarchies.